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AJ sighed, and felt his smile still lingering on his lips. God, how he loved Mackenzie. She was almost the sister that he had never had. AJ wondered at the protective vibe he felt often for her. More than anything, he wanted her to be happy. Mackenzie and Howie. Howie and Mackenzie. From the start AJ had noticed the attraction between the two, and he couldn’t help but hope that they would eventually wind up more than just friends. Glancing over at the now empty seat beside him, AJ noticed that Mackenzie had left her computer behind. He frowned; that was not a smart thing to do. By the looks of it, Mackenzie’s was a fairly new model. While AJ knew that no one from the crew would ever consider swiping the laptop, he realized that the temptation might be too much for the venue staff. Suddenly, the computer emitted a soft static sound, followed by several high pitched tones. AJ’s eyebrows rose in surprise; he didn’t know that Mackenzie had online access. “You Have Mail”, a friendly voice informed him. He stretched for her computer, then hesitated, his arms in mid reach. Making a snap decision, AJ seized the laptop, and situated it in his lap before lifting up the screen. It was then that he noticed a small attenae built into the side of the computer. Something clicked in his brain.
“Ahh..... so that’s how she can get online without a phone jack....she uses her cell.” he murmured to himself. The automatic sign on feature hadn’t been turned off. AJ was about to sign off for Mackenzie, when he saw the mailbox icon. The wheels in his head began to turn rapidly. Looking left, then right, then left again, AJ made sure no one was around. He let his finger rest on the black, touch sensitive panel below the keyboard. He guided the curser to the mailbox icon, and clicked. Mackenzie’s online mailbox appeared in front of him. AJ’s eyes scanned the list of incoming mail. “I wonder if she has an online lover!? Hmm......Junk mail, junk mail, junk mail. Oh! Somebody’s porno pic! Junk mail, junk mail, a forward from an anonymous user....a letter from.... UncleSam2000? I wonder who that is.” he pondered. A light snapped on in his head. “I didn’t know that they do online tax returns!” without further hesitation, AJ opened the letter. His eyebrows rose as he scanned the lines of print.
Micki,
I found out that one of your next stops is in El Paso, Texas. There’s a friend of mine that I want you to stop in on. We’re old buddies. Tell him I sent you, and he should have a few interesting points he’d like to share. You can catch up with him in a little shop on 8th and Broadway. Let me know how it goes.
Regards,
Marty
AJ’s brow furrowed, and he contemplated Mackenzie’s relationship to ‘Marty’. He hadn’t sounded like a lover, or even a friend. AJ closed his eyes, trying to remember what Mackenzie had told him about her family. Her parents had died in a car crash......she had no siblings. When AJ evaluated what he knew about her, he realized that he didn’t know that much. With a resolve to learn more about Mackenzie, AJ signed off, shut down her computer, and packed it into it’s canvas case. AJ grasped the case’s handles in one hand, and set off for the bus.
*****
Mackenzie walked swiftly towards the bus, intent on stowing the new slips of paper in her jewelry box. She boarded and passed Kevin, who was sleeping soundly on the sofa, before reaching her own bunk. She perched on the edge of it, and reached for her duffle. Sliding the mirror’s panel out, she laid the notes inside of the shallow compartment before sealing it up again. She heard the footsteps of someone boarding the bus, and rose from her bunk.
<“Mackenzie!” Howie whispered, so as not to wake Kevin. “I’ve been looking for you all over.” he exclaimed.
“You’ve found me!”, she whispered in response. He cleared his throat and looked down at his feet.
“Uh....do you remember the day before yesterday, I asked you if you’d like to go out to dinner with me, and you uh...said yes. So, I was wondering if, tonight-”
“I’d love to.” she said softly. Howie brought his eyes up to meet hers. A radiant smile covered his lips.
“Great. AJ, Brian and I wanted to go clubbing. Does that sound ok to you?”
“Sure. It sounds wonderful. What about Nick and Kevin?”
“Kevin isn’t feeling that great, and you know Nick- he just wants to play video games.” They exchanged amused looks. “Oh! By the way, we were hoping to leave by 7:30.” Mackenzie agreed, and the two hurried off, going their separate ways.
*****
Howie glanced at his watch impatiently. Mackenzie still hadn’t made an appearance in front of the stage as they had all agreed. AJ sat swinging his legs against the side of the stage, while Brian stood talking to Anita, a girl from wardrobe. Howie saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and swiveled his head in that direction.
She stood there, dressed in flowing black slacks and a purple sheer blouse. Howie could glimpse the color of her skin through the thin material, and his breath caught in his throat.
“Mackenzie!” AJ exclaimed, finally catching sight of her. “You’re here! You look ravishing, are you ready to go?” Howie’s attention was drawn to her long mahogany waves which cascaded down over her shoulder. His feet propelled him towards her. Their eyes met, and she smiled shyly.
“You’re beautiful.” Howie said softly. Mackenzie’s cheeks colored, and Howie reached for her hand. The feel of her small fingers tucked inside of his own, weakened his knees.
“Come on kids!” Brian called, as Anita, AJ, and himself were heading towards the exit.
*****
“Alright, you know the drill. Tommy, Rick, and I are going to remain in the background at all times. Here’s a small tracking device for each one of you, I don’t care where you pin it on, just do it. In case one of you gets lost or separated from the group, we’ll be able to locate you, and save your little butt. When you’re ready for the car, just signal me, and we’ll get ya outta there.” Randy stated in a professional, yet grim voice. “Everybody understand?” he asked. He was met by nods all around. “Good, now let’s go out and have some fun!” Randy cracked a smile, much to the relief of the rest of the party. Howie turned to Mackenzie.
“Ready?” he asked. She nodded, and he could sense her nervousness. Howie smiled reassuringly, as they all piled into the van. John turned around in his seat, and tipped an invisible hat.
“Good day to you ladies and gents. Where to?” he asked in a fake British accent. AJ, Mackenzie, and Howie laughed, while Brian responded in the same dialect,
“Take us to a posh dance club, my good man.”
*****
The beat of the music vibrated the floor, as the party of five entered the club. Randy, Rick, and Tommy followed inconspicuously. Blue, Yellow, and Pink lights flashed, while a disco ball spun above the dance floor. The bar situated against the back wall, had a row of stools lined up in front of it, many of which were occupied. Positioned around the perimeter of the floor were tables for two, three, and four. Large booths sat against the wall. AJ waved to the other four, while heading off into the crowd of people dancing on the floor. Brian grasped Anita’s arm, and steered her towards a corner booth, motioning for Howie and Mackenzie to follow. Mackenzie drew in a sharp breath as she felt Howie press his hand against the small of her back, protectively guiding her through the tables. Brian and Anita slid into the booth; Howie gestured for Mackenzie to proceed him.
“What would you ladies care to drink?” Brian asked loudly, talking over the music. Anita shouted for her usual, while Howie waited patiently for Mackenzie’s answer. She turned towards him hesitantly.
“What? I can’t hear you!” he cried. She slid nearer and leaned close to his ear.
“Do they serve iced tea here?” she asked. Howie shivered as he felt her warm breath on his neck and earlobe. He shut his eyes briefly before responding.
“Sure. I’ll get you one. Be right back!” He began to slide out of the booth, then leaned close and gently kissed Mackenzie on her cheek. Her eyes were surprised as he pulled away, but she beamed back at him.. Brian hauled him to his feet and the two walked towards the bar.
~*~
“How long have you been traveling with the guys?” Mackenzie asked.
“Longer than I should be! I swear, they’re making me insane! It’s their terrible influence!” Anita responded, though she didn’t sound the least bit regrettful. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s going on with you and Howie?” she inquired with a friendly smile. Mackenzie felt her cheeks flush, and wondered if she’d ever grow out of blushing. Anita only laughed. “I see!” she said with a giggle.
~*~
“So you like her, don’t you?”
“Yeah. Is it that obvious?” Howie questioned worriedly.
“Aww....that’s just because I’ve known you forever. She’s a nice girl, D. Romance her, and she’s yours.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“But, I don’t want to move too fast.” he stated.
“I think you’re moving along just fine. Besides, wouldn’t she tell you if you were? I mean, the girl’s had to be self sufficient. She hasn’t been able to depend on some one else to speak up for her, you know?”
“I guess. I kissed her back there.”
“I saw.” Brian responded with a grin. The bartender handed them their drinks, and the two made their way back toward the girls.
~*~
Mackenzie watched as Howie and Brian walked through the crowd of people. Howie laughed at something Brian said, and Mackenzie caught a glimpse of his fine white teeth. ‘Is there anything not perfect about this man?’ she asked herself inwardly. They reached the booth, and slid in next to the girls, handing them their drinks. Brian tugged Anita to her feet, after she took a sip of hers. “Dance with me!” he exclaimed, and led her to the floor. Howie pivoted his body towards Mackenzie, taking the opportunity to study her profile. Sensing she was being watched, she turned to Howie. They looked into each other’s eyes, not saying a word. Finally, Mackenzie broke the silence.
“Tell me about your family.” she said. He leaned closer, and began to tell her about his kin. She listened to his animated descriptions of everyone, and laughed. AJ rushed up to the booth, interrupting them.
“Since you’re not taking advantage of your beautiful partner, Howie, I will. Would you care to dance, m’lady?” he invited, offering Mackenzie his hand.
“I’d love to kind sir.” she replied just as gallantly. “I’ll be back, ok?” she asked Howie. He nodded, and watched as AJ swept her onto the dance floor. The fast beat of the song, combined with flashing lights and buzz of the crowd, made the expirience surreal for Mackenzie. AJ danced closely, giving her a flirty smile making her throw back her head and laugh. He let his hand rest on the small of her back, and waved the other one in the air. He coaxed her to wave her own hands, and Mackenzie let herself loose.
Howie sat watching the way her body moved, and wished it was himself that was dancing with her. A foreign feeling rose in his heart, which he identified as jealously. His forehead wrinkled in a frown, just as Brian and Anita stumbled back to the table breathlessly.
“What’s wrong Howie?” Anita asked. Brian followed his line of sight, and sighed.
“D., just go out there and ask her to dance!” he exclaimed. Howie looked up at him, and Brian jerked him to his feet, just as a slow song came across the speakers. Anita gave him a shove towards the object of his affection, and settled back in the booth to rest.
Howie strode up to Mackenzie and AJ, pasting a smile on his face. “I hope you don’t mind, AJ, but-”
“No! Be my guest!” he said winking at Howie. AJ turned to Mackenzie and kissed her hand, “A pleasure, my lady.” he said before heading back to the booth. Howie opened his arms to her, she stepped into his embrace as they began to sway slowly to the music. Howie held her closely, and inhaled her fragrance. She smelled of roses; he vowed never to forget the feel of her.
“Hey...don’t you guys sing this song?” she asked in his ear. He paused to listen for a moment, then chuckled.
“Yeah, we do.” After a moment, his poised his lips just inches from her ear, and began to sing softly. “I’ll never break your heart, I’ll never make you cry. I’d rather die, than live without you...” Mackenzie felt her heart melt as he sang to her. She closed her eyes, drinking in his voice. Everything else faded out of her consciousness except for the feel of his arms around her and the softly spoken lyrics. The song was about to end, and Howie leaned back slightly. He looked into her eyes, and she knew that he was going to kiss her. She tilted her face up just as he closed in, pressing his lips softly against hers. He pulled away, his hands continuing to caress her back as they lost themselves in the dance.
*****
Mackenzie let her head rest on Howie’s shoulder, feeling her eyes drift closed. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t bring herself to open them.
Howie glanced down and took in Mackenzie’s sleeping face. He affectionately brushed a tendril of her hair from her cheek. Shifting slightly, he put his arm around her. She snuggled closer to him in her sleep, and Howie felt contentment welling up inside of him. He glanced over at AJ, who winked, grinning back at him. The van pulled into the back lot. Everyone piled out of the vehicle. Howie memorized the details of her sleeping face before gently shaking Mackenzie’s shoulder. She stirred and opened drowsy eyes to gaze up at him.
“Hey Sleepyhead. Time to wake up, we’re home.” Howie said softly, as he watched her eyes focus on him. She smiled tiredly, and accepted his helping hand. The two walked slowly towards to bus. The cool night air made Mackenzie more alert, and she realized she was cold. Howie watched her rub her forearms, then quickly shrugged out of his sports coat. He tucked it around her, and grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze before stepping back allowing her to proceed him onto the bus. When they boarded, everyone else was sleeping peacefully. Mackenzie sat on the edge of her bunk. AJ passed on the way to his own bed, stopping to kiss her on the top of her head. Howie perched on his bunk across from her. They smiled at each other, and Mackenzie gathered up her sleeping gear, making her way to the bathroom to change. Howie unbuttoned his shirt, and slipped from his slacks. He climbed into bed wearing his boxers. A sigh escaped his lips as he thought of the wonderful evening he had shared with Mackenzie. A few moments later, Mackenzie emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a pair of flannel pajamas. She gave Howie a shy smile before climbing into her bed. He waited until she was settled before turning out the tiny light by his bunk.
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